Driving Innovation: Your Essential Guide to the NACS Show, Chicago, USA!

Chicago – the Windy City, a global hub of commerce, and a powerful backdrop for one of the most vital industries shaping daily life: convenience and fuel retailing. It’s here, in the heart of this iconic American city, that the entire ecosystem of convenience stores and gas stations converges for their most influential annual event: the NACS Show. This isn’t merely a trade exhibition; it’s a monumental gathering, a strategic forum designed to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and showcase the cutting-edge products, technologies, and services that are redefining how consumers shop for convenience and fuel. Imagine stepping onto an immense show floor, buzzing with the energy of thousands of industry leaders, discerning buyers, and pioneering entrepreneurs. You’re surrounded by everything from revolutionary foodservice concepts and sustainable energy solutions to advanced payment systems and the latest impulse buys. This is your unparalleled opportunity to discover groundbreaking products, explore transformative merchandising solutions, analyze the freshest consumer trends, and forge invaluable connections that will fuel your business success and delight your customers. For convenience store owners, fuel marketers, distributors, suppliers, and anyone committed to advancing the convenience and fuel retailing industry, the NACS Show is not just an option—it’s an essential annual pilgrimage for staying ahead of the curve, finding profound inspiration, and cultivating unparalleled growth in today’s fiercely competitive and ever-evolving retail landscape.

The convenience and fuel retailing industry is in a constant state of evolution. Consumers demand speed, quality, convenience, and increasingly, a more curated shopping experience. From the rising importance of fresh food and beverage offerings to the rapid adoption of digital technologies, loyalty programs, and alternative fuels, convenience stores are transforming from simple pit stops into vibrant community hubs. The NACS Show stands at the forefront of these transformations, connecting the dots between supply and demand, unveiling critical market insights, and fostering the crucial relationships that drive progress. It’s where emerging brands gain vital exposure, established companies redefine their strategies for capturing market share, and innovative solutions for operational efficiency are discovered. If you’re looking to diversify your product offerings, source new technologies, understand evolving consumer behavior, optimize your store operations, or simply immerse yourself in the passionate community of convenience and fuel retailing professionals, attending the NACS Show offers an unmatched opportunity to learn, discover, and propel your business to new heights.

The Nation’s Convention Capital: Venue and Time

The NACS Show consistently selects one of North America’s premier convention facilities, ensuring a truly impactful and efficient experience for all attendees.

Chicago’s Grand Stage: McCormick Place The NACS Show is consistently held at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The official address for McCormick Place is 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616. As the largest convention center in North America, McCormick Place boasts an immense amount of exhibition space (over 430,000 square feet for the NACS Show alone in 2025 across multiple halls), numerous meeting rooms, and state-of-the-art facilities. Its location along Lake Michigan, just south of downtown Chicago, offers excellent accessibility from major airports and is well-served by public transportation, including the Metra Electric Line and CTA buses, connecting directly to the city’s vast array of hotels, dining, and attractions. McCormick Place’s sheer scale and robust infrastructure make it the ideal venue for an event of the NACS Show’s magnitude and importance to the global industry.

A Fall Industry Rendezvous: The Schedule The NACS Show is an annual event, consistently taking place in October. This strategic timing allows industry professionals to gather in the fall, providing an ideal opportunity to review annual performance, finalize strategic plans for the upcoming year, secure new products and technologies for holiday seasons, and gain insights into emerging trends that will define the convenience and fuel retail landscape.

For 2025, the NACS Show is scheduled to run from Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – Friday, October 17, 2025.

The event typically spans four intensive days, with a meticulously designed schedule to maximize education, discovery, and networking opportunities:

• Conference Dates: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – Friday, October 17, 2025.
• Expo Dates: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 – Friday, October 17, 2025.

The schedule is generally structured as follows:

• Education Sessions (October 14-17): The first day (Tuesday) is often dedicated entirely to comprehensive education sessions before the expo hall officially opens. Throughout the week, there are typically 50+ education sessions designed by retailers for retailers. These sessions cover a vast array of critical topics, including:
  • Digital and physical marketing strategies.
  • Crafting promotions for maximum impact.
  • Global retail innovations.
  • Foodservice trends and operational best practices.
  • Technology integration and automation (e.g., AI, frictionless checkout).
  • Fuel equipment advancements and alternative energy.
  • Facility operations and store design.
  • Human resources and talent management.
  • Customer experience strategies.
• Expo Hall Hours (October 15-17): The massive exhibition floor opens on Wednesday and runs through Friday. Specific hours are usually:
  • Wednesday, October 15: Main Exhibit Area, 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM (New Exhibitor Area often opens 30 min earlier).
  • Thursday, October 16: Main Exhibit Area, 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM (New Exhibitor Area often opens 30 min earlier).
  • Friday, October 17: All Exhibits, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM. These hours provide ample time for buyers to navigate the expansive show floor, meet with over 1,200 exhibitors, explore products, and discuss potential partnerships.
• Cool New Products Preview Room: A dedicated area (often accessible earlier in the week) where attendees can get a first look at hundreds of the latest innovations and trending products ready to hit the shelves. This room allows for efficient scanning of new products to build a personalized “shopping list” for the main expo floor.
• New Exhibitor Area: A specific section of the expo hall dedicated to companies new to the NACS Show, showcasing emerging technologies, products, and services entering the convenience channel.
• Kick-Off Party: A popular networking event typically held on Tuesday evening, providing a relaxed setting for attendees to connect and socialize before the main expo begins.
• Networking Opportunities: Beyond structured events, the entire show environment is designed for active networking, with numerous informal opportunities to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential suppliers.

This comprehensive and focused schedule ensures that every attendee, from a small independent operator to a large multi-national chain, finds valuable content, groundbreaking products, and crucial connections to propel their convenience and fuel retailing business forward.

More Than Just Snacks: Key Product and Service Categories

The NACS Show showcases an incredibly comprehensive range of products, services, and solutions that cater to virtually every aspect of the convenience and fuel retailing industry. The vast expo floor is strategically segmented into five main product areas to facilitate efficient discovery:

• In-Store Merchandise: This is the heart of the convenience store, featuring everything consumers grab quickly.
  • Food & Beverages: Packaged snacks (chips, candy, nuts), hot and cold beverages (soda, energy drinks, coffee, tea, juices, water), ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat foods, fresh food programs, impulse items, and a growing array of healthier options.
  • Tobacco & Vapor: Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vapor products.
  • General Merchandise: Health and beauty aids, over-the-counter medicines, automotive products, phone accessories, novelty items, lottery tickets, gift cards, and more.
  • Adult Beverages: Beer, wine, and spirits (where legally permitted for sale in c-stores).
• Food Equipment & Foodservice Programs: This rapidly expanding category is crucial for modern c-stores, driving higher margins and customer traffic.
  • Prepared Food Concepts: Hot food programs (pizza, roller grill items, fried chicken), cold prepared foods (sandwiches, salads, wraps), frozen dispensed beverages (slushies), and coffee programs.
  • Equipment: Ovens, fryers, griddles, refrigerators, freezers, coffee machines, dispensed beverage machines, food prep stations, and display cases.
  • Ingredients & Supplies: Food ingredients, packaging for prepared foods, disposable serveware, and cleaning supplies.
  • Merchandising Solutions: Innovative display units, warmers, and chillers designed to optimize food presentation.
• Fuel Equipment & Services: The foundational element for many convenience stores.
  • Fuel Dispensers & Pumps: Latest models, payment integration, and smart features.
  • Fuel Management Systems: Inventory tracking, leak detection, and environmental compliance solutions.
  • Payment Systems: Outdoor EMV solutions, mobile payment integration at the pump.
  • Car Wash Equipment & Services: Automated car wash systems, vacuums, and cleaning supplies.
  • Alternative Fuels: Solutions for EV charging stations, natural gas, and other emerging fuel technologies.
• Technology: Driving efficiency, customer engagement, and security.
  • Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Advanced POS hardware and software, self-checkout solutions.
  • Payment Processing: Credit card processing, mobile payment apps, loyalty programs, and digital couponing.
  • Inventory Management & Data Analytics: Software and systems for optimizing inventory, supply chain management, and leveraging sales data.
  • Security Systems: Surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and loss prevention technologies.
  • Digital Signage & Marketing Solutions: In-store digital displays, mobile marketing platforms, and customer engagement tools.
  • Back-Office Solutions: Accounting, HR, and payroll software tailored for c-stores.
• Facility Development & Store Operations: Everything needed to build, maintain, and manage a modern convenience store.
  • Store Design & Fixtures: Shelving, display units, lighting, flooring, and interior/exterior design services.
  • Refrigeration & HVAC: Energy-efficient refrigeration units, climate control systems.
  • Signage & Branding: Exterior signage, in-store graphics, and branding solutions.
  • Maintenance & Cleaning: Equipment and services for store upkeep and hygiene.
  • Energy Management Systems: Solutions for reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
  • Business Services: Consulting, financing, insurance, and legal services specific to the industry.

This incredibly diverse and specialized range ensures that any professional looking to operate, supply, or innovate within the convenience and fuel retailing sector can find the products, technologies, and services necessary to enhance their operations, boost profitability, and meet the dynamic demands of today’s consumers.

The Powerhouse of the Industry: Visitor and Exhibitor Count

The NACS Show consistently attracts an unparalleled number of highly qualified professionals, solidifying its status as the most comprehensive and influential event in the global convenience and fuel retailing industry.

• Visitor Count: The NACS Show boasts impressive attendance figures, consistently drawing a massive and highly engaged audience. For the 2024 edition in Las Vegas (the prior year’s event), NACS reported a record-breaking 26,124 attendees, an 8.5% increase over the previous year. For 2025 in Chicago, it is expected to attract over 23,500 industry stakeholders. What’s even more significant is the high percentage of buyers among these attendees. In 2024, there were 8,811 attendees classified as buyers, a substantial increase. This indicates that a large portion of the audience consists of individuals with direct purchasing power and decision-making authority for their businesses. Attendees come from all segments of the industry, including:
  • Convenience store owners and operators (from independent single stores to large chains).
  • Fuel marketers and distributors.
  • Wholesalers and brokers.
  • Suppliers of products and services across all categories.
  • Foodservice directors and managers.
  • Technology integrators.
  • Industry analysts and consultants. The NACS Show is a truly global event, with attendees typically representing over 60 countries, underscoring its international importance and reach.
• Exhibitor Count: The Expo Hall at NACS Show is massive and filled with a diverse array of companies. For 2025, the show is set to feature over 1,200 exhibitors across more than 430,000 net square feet of expo space. This includes a significant number of new exhibitors (e.g., 157 new exhibitors in 2024) showcasing innovative products and services relatively new to the convenience channel. Exhibitors range from multinational corporations and established brands to emerging startups, all eager to connect with buyers and decision-makers in the convenience and fuel retailing industry. The sheer volume and diversity of exhibitors ensure that attendees can find solutions for every aspect of their business.

The high concentration of key decision-makers, combined with the immense scale of the exhibition and the global representation, makes the NACS Show an incredibly efficient and productive environment for business development, market intelligence, and forging powerful industry connections.

The Ultimate Pit Stop: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending the NACS Show is not an expense; it’s a strategic investment that delivers unparalleled returns for any professional in the convenience and fuel retailing industry.

• Unrivaled Product Discovery: With over 1,200 exhibitors across 430,000+ square feet, you’ll discover hundreds of new products, technologies, and services. The “Cool New Products Preview Room” and “New Exhibitor Area” are dedicated spaces to find what’s next before it hits the shelves.
• Direct Access to Key Suppliers & Manufacturers: Engage face-to-face with decision-makers from top brands and innovative startups. This direct interaction is invaluable for negotiating deals, solving operational challenges, and building lasting partnerships.
• Comprehensive Industry Education: Benefit from 50+ expert-led education sessions designed by retailers for retailers. Learn about critical topics like foodservice strategies, digital marketing, sustainability, human resources, and the latest in fuel technology and alternative energy, directly from industry leaders.
• Strategic Networking Opportunities: Connect with thousands of your peers, including an impressive number of high-level buyers and decision-makers from across the globe. The show provides structured and informal opportunities to build relationships, share best practices, and identify new business ventures.
• Stay Ahead of Market Trends: The NACS Show is the industry’s barometer. You’ll gain firsthand insights into evolving consumer behavior, technological advancements (e.g., AI, automation), and regulatory changes that are shaping the future of convenience retail and fuel.
• Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings: Discover new equipment, software, and services that can streamline your operations, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost your bottom line, from inventory management to energy consumption.
• Foodservice Innovation: With foodservice being a key growth driver, the show offers extensive opportunities to explore new culinary concepts, equipment, and ingredients to elevate your in-store food offerings and drive higher margins.
• Fuel Technology Advancements: Stay current with the latest in fuel dispensing technology, payment systems, environmental compliance, and the rapidly growing EV charging infrastructure.
• Competitive Advantage: By attending, you gain insights and forge connections that your competitors might miss, giving you a crucial edge in a highly competitive market.
• Return on Investment: The value derived from new partnerships, cost-saving solutions, and strategic insights often far outweighs the cost of attendance, making it a highly profitable investment for your business.

Your Chicago Base: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation

Given the NACS Show’s location at McCormick Place, Chicago offers a vast array of hotel options to suit various preferences and budgets, with many providing convenient access to the convention center.

• Hotels Connected to or Very Close to McCormick Place: These hotels offer the ultimate convenience, often allowing direct indoor access or just a very short walk to the convention center.
  • Hyatt Regency McCormick Place: Directly connected via skybridge, often a primary host hotel.
  • Marriott Marquis Chicago: Located steps from McCormick Place, another excellent choice.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop: A bit further, but still relatively close and accessible.
• Downtown Chicago (South Loop, Loop, Magnificent Mile): These areas offer a wide range of hotels across all price points, along with easy access to Chicago’s iconic attractions, dining, and entertainment. Many provide shuttle services or are well-served by public transportation (CTA ‘L’ trains or buses) to McCormick Place.
  • Hilton Chicago: Historic and centrally located.
  • Palmer House Hilton: Classic Chicago hotel.
  • Hyatt Park Chicago / Grand Hyatt Chicago: Upscale options in prime locations.
  • The Blackstone, Autograph Collection: Historic hotel near Grant Park.
  • Symphony Hotel Chicago: Boutique option in the Loop.
  • Inn of Chicago, a Staypineapple Hotel: Near Magnificent Mile.
  • The Drake, a Hilton Hotel: Iconic hotel on Michigan Avenue.
  • Various Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, and independent properties.
• Official Housing Partner: The NACS Show typically partners with an official housing agency (e.g., onPeak). It is highly recommended to book your hotel through the official NACS Show housing link provided on their website. This often guarantees discounted rates exclusively for NACS Show guests, ensures secure booking, and provides access to a wide selection of pre-negotiated hotels with convenient distances to McCormick Place, maps, and shuttle information. Beware of unofficial housing solicitations.

Given the immense size and popularity of the NACS Show, booking your accommodation as early as possible is crucial to secure your preferred location and rate. The official housing block fills up quickly!

The Price of Progress: Understanding the Cost to Attend

Attending the NACS Show is a strategic investment that provides access to unparalleled industry insights, networking, and product discovery. Here’s a general understanding of the expected registration costs for the 2025 event, based on previous years’ pricing structures:

• Retailer/Buyer Full Conference Ticket:
  • NACS Member Rate: Around $475 USD.
  • Non-Member Retailer Rate: May be slightly higher, but NACS often encourages retailer attendance with favorable pricing.
  • This ticket typically includes access to all education sessions, the expo hall for all days, and often special networking events like the Kick-Off Party.
• Retailer/Buyer Per Day Ticket:
  • NACS Member Rate: Around $375 USD per day.
  • This allows access to the expo hall and education sessions for a single chosen day.
• Non-Exhibiting Supplier/Vendor Full Conference Ticket:
  • Price: Significantly higher, usually around $1,245 USD. This policy is in place to maintain the B2B focus of the show and encourage suppliers to exhibit if their primary goal is to sell products or services.
• Kick-Off Party Access:
  • Included for all full conference attendees.
  • Booth personnel or guests not attending the full show can typically purchase a separate ticket for around $95 USD (prices vary slightly year to year). You must be 21+ to attend.

These fees cover access to the show itself and the experiences offered. Attendees should also budget for personal travel (flights/trains), accommodation, and dining expenses in Chicago. For the unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest innovations, connect with key decision-makers, and gain critical knowledge to drive success in the dynamic convenience and fuel retailing industry, the return on this investment is substantial and often critical for operational excellence and competitive advantage.

Fuel Your Future: Your Journey to NACS Show Success Begins Here!

The NACS Show in Chicago is more than just a convention; it’s the definitive annual forum for the global convenience and fuel retailing industry. It’s a powerful and dynamic convergence of groundbreaking innovation, strategic insights, and essential business connections that shape the future of how consumers shop and how businesses thrive. It’s where the latest technologies are unveiled, where new product trends take hold, and where vital partnerships are forged that propel the entire industry forward. Whether you’re a convenience store owner looking to optimize your operations, a fuel marketer seeking advanced equipment, a supplier aiming to expand your market reach, or simply an industry professional passionate about staying ahead of the curve, attending the NACS Show is an indispensable experience that will ignite your passion, broaden your market knowledge, and empower you to lead in this highly competitive and rapidly evolving sector. Don’t just adapt to change; drive it, innovate constantly, and achieve unparalleled success!

To learn more about the NACS Show, explore the full schedule, and plan your attendance for this must-attend industry event, visit: convenience.org/nacsshow